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At least some content in this article is derived from information featured in Harry Potter: Magic Awakened, Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, and Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery.
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was divided into four Houses: Gryffindor, founded by Godric Gryffindor; Hufflepuff, founded by Helga Hufflepuff; Ravenclaw, founded by Rowena Ravenclaw; and Slytherin, founded by Salazar Slytherin.
House systems
Houses at Hogwarts were both the living and learning communities for its students. Each year's group of students in the same House shares the same dormitory and many classes. The houses compete throughout the school year, by earning and losing points for behaviour. The House with the most points wins the House Cup. Each House also has its own Quidditch team that competes for the Inter-House Quidditch Cup. These two competitions breed rivalries between the Houses, the greatest of which is that between Gryffindor and Slytherin.
In the early days of Hogwarts, the four founders handpicked students for their Houses. When the founders worried how students would be selected after their deaths, Godric Gryffindor took his hat off and each "put some brains" in it, creating the Sorting Hat to choose future students for each House. At the beginning of each school year, the magical Sorting Hat is placed on each new student's head during the Sorting ceremony.
The Sorting Hat announces the House the student is to join. Before beginning the Sorting ceremony, it sings a short song about the founding of the school and the four Houses; the Sorting Hat's songs are different every year, and the Hat is said to take all year composing the next one (according to Ronald Weasley). Every so often it would sing of mortal peril at the school. The students say that it picks up tips from Dumbledore's office.
- "It is our choices, Harry, that show us who we truly are, far more than our abilities."
- —Albus Dumbledore[src]
It is unclear if the Sorting Hat tended to place students based on qualities they valued or rather qualities they exhibited. One example of the former is Peter Pettigrew, who was sorted into Gryffindor but ultimately turned out to be quite cowardly, self-serving and corruptible. He may have been placed there because, at the time, he admired strong, brave individuals like James Potter and Sirius Black. Other examples include Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle, who despite being stupid and rather lazy, were placed in Slytherin, the House of the cunning and ambitious. They flocked around Draco Malfoy, who they admired and who exhibited the traits of Slytherin. Hermione Granger, while more than clever enough for Ravenclaw, valued courage above all, and was sorted into Gryffindor, a House she said sounded "by far the best".
The Sorting Hat could detect nascent qualities in a student and place them in the House that would challenge them and put their character to the test. Case in point, Neville Longbottom was sorted into Gryffindor because the Hat sensed that he was capable of demonstrating bravery and leadership during his time at Hogwarts. However, these qualities did not fully surface until Neville learned to believe in himself.
The Hat also appeared to take the students' wishes into account, considering how one's personal choices are very much of a reflection of the qualities that they valued in themselves. Just because someone was placed in a certain House did not mean that they could not display characteristics of other Houses. Harry Potter, for instance, embodied many of the traits that were approved and appreciated by Salazar Slytherin. He was clever, resourceful and cunning, yet the Sorting Hat made him a Gryffindor because the very fact that he asked not to be in Slytherin showed that he did not belong there. A true Slytherin would not have had any doubts about whether or not it was the right House for them.
One of the biggest examples of this was Severus Snape. At one point, Albus Dumbledore observed that his loyal, courageous nature was much more befitted to Gryffindor. However, as a child, Snape's sadism, disdain for Muggles, and sheer cunning and ambition may have led to his being sorted into Slytherin when he first came to Hogwarts.
House dynamics
The four Houses are rather separate entities. Each has its own common room and dormitory, its own table in the Great Hall, and students mostly share lessons with classmates of their same House. There is no rule against students from different houses mingling, but in practice, a good majority of social interactions occur within the same house. Each house had one teacher who acted as its Head of House. Each House also had a House ghost.[1] The function they serve (if any) is unknown, although they might be like House mascots. Each Head of House and House Ghost was previously a pupil within that House.
A great deal of rivalry exists between the Houses, not always friendly. This rivalry was demonstrated in the Quidditch matches and the annual school competition for the House Cup, which was determined by the number of points earned or lost by each member of the rival Houses. These points were awarded or taken based on students' conduct throughout the school year. All members of the faculty and the Head Boy and Girl have the authority to grant and deduct points as they see fit in each instance.[2] Some, like Severus Snape, the former Potions master, tended to favour their own house, but that does not seem to be against the rules. He was despised by many students, other than those in Slytherin, where he was very popular.
It was not known how much favouritism the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw Heads showed, although it can be deduced that it was minimal or non-existent, as both Professor Filius Flitwick, Head of Ravenclaw, and Professor Pomona Sprout, Head of Hufflepuff, were kind, lighthearted people, who obviously wanted to win the House and Quidditch Cups but were not as vindictive as Snape in going about it. It is known that Professor Minerva McGonagall, the stern head of Gryffindor, did not show much favouritism towards her House. In fact, she deducted 50 points apiece and awarded detentions to three students in her House (Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Neville Longbottom when they were caught out of bed after hours in Harry's first year), and supported Professor Snape wholeheartedly in giving Harry detentions for the rest of the school year, even on overlapping Quidditch matches, after Harry used the Sectumsempra spell on Draco Malfoy in Harry's sixth year.
According to Rubeus Hagrid, "There's not a single witch or wizard who went bad who wasn't in Slytherin,"[3] (though this is, for the most part correct, there are a few exceptions, former Gryffindor Peter Pettigrew the most notable of them). None of this necessarily means, however, that all Slytherins are evil, such as Horace Slughorn, Regulus Black, Andromeda Black, and Narcissa Malfoy for example. Slytherins were chosen for their cunning and ambition. Although founder Salazar Slytherin favoured pure-blood students, it was not a condition of being sorted into Slytherin House as both Tom Riddle and Snape were Half-blood Slytherins.
It has also been said that all four Houses must band together and fight as one if Hogwarts is to stand. It must be remembered that all of the Houses had their virtues and flaws: none were inherently good or evil. Slytherins may have earned their reputation as evil because they showed such contempt towards Gryffindor, the protagonist House. They also did not show much generosity towards other Houses either, whether those in them were pure-blood or not.
House rivalry was mostly seen between Slytherin and Gryffindor ("Gryffindor and Slytherin students loathed each other on principle"[HP6]). This rivalry likely goes back to the days of Godric Gryffindor and Salazar Slytherin after they founded Hogwarts because the Sorting Hat said that they were the best of friends before they founded the school.[4] While it is not clear if there is a similar rivalry between Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, it seems fairly unlikely due to the cheerful disposition of the Heads for said Houses, as opposed to the contempt of Professor Snape and the passion of Professor McGonagall. (Rowena Ravenclaw and Helga Hufflepuff, however, once great friends, are documented as having had a severe falling out at some point by the Sorting Hat's song in 1996.)
It was sometimes thought that there was some dislike between the members of Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff due to the Ravenclaw students' reputation for boasting about their intelligence, which often annoyed Hufflepuffs, who were known for being modest, gentle and kind. As a whole, Gryffindors were thought to get on best with Hufflepuffs, whereas Ravenclaws were thought to be quite friendly with Slytherins. There are certain exceptions, however, such as Harry's friendliness with Cho Chang and Luna Lovegood, both from Ravenclaw, as well as Cho's relationship with Cedric Diggory, a Hufflepuff.
Usually, though not always, the other two Houses appeared (in Harry's eyes) to support Gryffindor in its rivalry with Slytherin, which again is reminiscent of how Slytherin was in the end opposed by all three of the other founders. One exception to this occurred when Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin all initially supported Hufflepuff's Cedric Diggory instead of Gryffindor's Harry Potter in the Triwizard Tournament.[5] Also in the first Quidditch match of 1996, it was said that many of the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws had "taken sides" in the Gryffindor vs Slytherin match but does not specify which Houses took which side.
The Four Houses of Hogwarts
Gryffindor values bravery, daring, nerve, and chivalry. Its emblematic animal is the lion and its colours are scarlet and gold. Minerva McGonagall was the most recent Head of Gryffindor. Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington, also known as "Nearly Headless Nick", was the House Ghost. The founder of the House was Godric Gryffindor. Gryffindor corresponds to the element of Fire. The common room was located in one of the highest towers at Hogwarts, the entrance was situated on the seventh floor in the east wing of the castle and is guarded by a portrait of The Fat Lady. She permits entrance if given the correct password, which is changed numerous times throughout the school year. Famous Gryffindors include Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter, and Minerva McGonagall.
Hufflepuff values hard work, dedication, patience, loyalty, and fair play. Its emblematic animal is the badger, and Yellow and Black are its colours. Pomona Sprout was the Head of Hufflepuff during 1991-1998, Sprout left the post of Head of Hufflepuff and Herbology Professor sometime before 2017 and her successor for the position of Head of Hufflepuff is currently unknown. The Fat Friar is its ghost. The founder of the House was Helga Hufflepuff.
Hufflepuff corresponds to the element of earth. The Hufflepuff dormitories and common room are located somewhere in the basement, near the castle's kitchens. It can be accessed by tapping the barrel two from the bottom, middle of the second row in the rhythm of "Helga Hufflepuff" and is described as being a cosy and welcoming place with yellow hangings, fat armchairs, and underground tunnels that lead to the dormitories, which have perfectly round doors, similar to barrel tops. Famous Hufflepuffs include Hengist of Woodcroft (founder of Hogsmeade), Newt Scamander (author of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them), and Artemisia Lufkin (first female minister for magic).
Ravenclaw values intelligence, knowledge, curiosity, creativity and wit. Its emblematic animal is the eagle, and its colours are blue and bronze. The Ravenclaw Head of House in the 1990s was Filius Flitwick. The ghost of Ravenclaw is the Grey Lady, who was the daughter of Rowena Ravenclaw, the House's founder. Ravenclaw corresponds to the element of air. The Ravenclaw common room and dormitories are located in a tower on the west side of the castle. Ravenclaw students must answer a riddle as opposed to giving a password to enter their dormitories. This riddle, however, can be answered by non-Ravenclaws. Famous Ravenclaws include Luna Lovegood, Gilderoy Lockheart, Ignatia Wildsmith (inventor of Floo powder), and Garrick Ollivander.
Slytherin House values ambition, leadership, self-preservation, cunning and resourcefulness and was founded by Salazar Slytherin. Its emblematic animal is the serpent, and its colours are emerald green and silver. Professor Horace Slughorn was the Head of Slytherin during the 1997–1998 school year, replacing Severus Snape, who as well, replaced Slughorn as Potions Professor when he retired for the first time several years prior. Slytherin had produced the most Death Eaters and Dark Wizards, including Tom Riddle, Bellatrix Black. But that does not mean that other Houses haven't produced any; Peter Pettigrew was a Gryffindor, and Quirinus Quirrell was a Ravenclaw.
The Bloody Baron is the House Ghost. The founder of the House was Salazar Slytherin. Slytherin corresponds roughly to the element of water. The Slytherin dormitories and common room are reached through a bare stone wall in the Dungeons. The Slytherin common room lies beneath the Black Lake. It is a long, low underground room with rough stone walls and silver lamps hanging from the ceiling. Famous Slytherins include Merlin, Tom Riddle, Draco Malfoy, and Dolores Umbridge.
See also
Behind the scenes
- Each House represents one of the four classical elements: Fire (Gryffindor), Earth (Hufflepuff), Air (Ravenclaw), and Water (Slytherin). Each of these also represents one of the four states of matter: Plasma (Fire, Gryffindor), Gas (Air, Ravenclaw), Liquid (Water, Slytherin), and Solid (Earth, Hufflepuff).
- Harry Potter fans can be sorted into Houses on Wizarding World (website)
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (First appearance)
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (film)
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (video game)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (film)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (video game)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (video game)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (video game)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (film)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (video game)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (video game)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (video game)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (video game)
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (play)
- Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald - The Original Screenplay
- Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
- Pottermore
- Wizarding World
- Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup
- LEGO Harry Potter
- LEGO Dimensions
- LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4
- LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7
- Harry Potter: The Character Vault
- Harry Potter for Kinect
- Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery
- Harry Potter: Wizards Unite
- Harry Potter: Magic Awakened
External links
Notes and references


text:
This video showed a helicopter pilot offering a ride out of a flooded Colorado farm for no less than $1,200. It easily went viral. Now the pilot has spoken out, and he's not as 'greedy' as he first appeared.
In an interview with 9News, pilot Dennis Pierce argued that he had no intention of extorting any victims of the flood and that the people who shot the video were not in a serious emergency.
9News reports that Pierce is the co-owner of Colorado Heli Ops, and he was contracted by a local power company to take pictures of flood damage. Pierce stated that the people shooting the video flagged him and his partner down to check on their parents. Pierce said he wasn't there to give anyone flights out, the man behind the camera got understandably upset.
"When I said $1,200, I was trying to figure out a way to shut the guy up," Pierce told 9Wants to Know. "I was trying to get him away from us because he made me nervous."
9News also spoke the man in question, Richard Lake, and found that he was injured, indeed.
"I told him that my hand is swollen, and I need medical attention, and this is an emergency," Lake said. "I need you to bring me across the river, so I can at least get a police officer."
9News reports that Lake made it out of the area safely, but does not describe his means of escape. Pierce reportedly described the situation as unfortunate, and went on to say that his company did check on Lake's parents for free.
So no, the 'greedy' pilot wasn't so greedy after all.
(Hat tip to Ricepuddin and many others!)

subset: commoncrawl


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Tel Aviv^
One Azrieli Center
Round Tower, 30th floor
132 Menachem Begin
Tel Aviv, 6701101,
- Telephone +972 (0) 3.636.6000
- Fax +972 (0) 3.636.6010
Greenberg Traurig's presence in Israel is unique. We are the only major international law firm with a multidisciplinary registered office in Tel Aviv, one of the leading innovation and business capitals of the world.
The Tel Aviv office serves two primary functions. Our office acts as a gateway for Israeli businesses and entrepreneurs seeking legal counsel in relation to opportunities in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and throughout the world. Additionally, Greenberg Traurig's global client base benefits from our on-the-ground knowledge of the legal aspects related to doing business with Israelis, and our depth of experience in assisting clients with legal matters related to opportunities in Israel.
We are proud that our Israel Practice has been actively serving clients for more than 15 years, and includes more than 100 of our attorneys from other offices all around the world.
Attorneys resident in our Tel Aviv office work hand-in-hand with members of our global Israel Practice, providing clients access to a network of professionals with the legal experience, business acumen, technical knowledge, political experience, language capabilities, and cultural understanding needed for doing business in and with Israel.
We have a strong grasp of the legal challenges facing the Israel-related business arena, and thus are able to offer a multi-disciplinary, integrated team of professionals to assist clients with a range of corporate and commercial law issues including:
Greenberg Traurig's Tel Aviv office is proud to be the first and only office of an international law firm in Israel recognized by Israeli legal directories. BDICode ranked the office a Prominent Leader under the "International Commercial" practice area (2016-2017) and a Leader under the "Mergers & Acquisitions" practice area (2016). Dun's 100 acknowledged the office as Prominent under the "International Commercial" practice area (2016-2017).
Aliya Task Force
Greenberg Traurig Tel Aviv - Bridging Israel and the World
Greenberg Traurig has a longstanding commitment to Israel. In addition to being the only major international law firm with a multidisciplinary registered once in Israel, collectively we offer more than 20 years of on-the-ground experience representing local and international businesses. We understand the meaning of making Aliya.
Our dedicated Aliya Taskforce, spearheaded by Tel Aviv Managing Shareholder Joey Shabot includes professionals who have chosen to move to Israel and build their lives here with their families. We understand the complexities that high-net-worth individuals face when planning their Aliya, and we offer the multidisciplinary legal support they may need.
The Israel Practice and Tel Aviv office maintain the GT Israel Blog, available here
Contact Us
For more information about our Tel Aviv office, please feel free to reach out to our Tel Aviv office contacts. For information about our office holiday schedule, please click here.
Our Clients
We regularly work with multinational corporations, private companies, financial institutions, venture funds, family offices, and later-stage startups across a variety of industries. We also frequently work with numerous local Israeli law firms to provide them with assistance with respect to their Israeli clients' global needs outside of Israel, in the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
Community & Civic Involvement
Greenberg Traurig regularly sponsors events around the world that promote the Israeli business community and Israel's status as the "Startup Nation."
Selected recent events organized or sponsored by Greenberg Traurig:
- The Crossroads of Cyber & Security: Where the Business and Law of Cyber & Security Meet
- Launch of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) in Israel
- OurCrowd Global Investment Summit
- Best Practices in Intellectual Property Conference
- Annual Trendlines Company Showcase
- Big in Japan – Startup Nation meets the Rising Sun
- Emerging Technology Briefing: FinTech Evolution in Germany and Israel
- The China-Israel Investment Summit
- From "Start-Up Nation" to "Start-Up Region" – Making your Mark in Latin America
- Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) Annual Summit
- Annual Conference of the Israel Bar Association
- Israel Bar Association Delegation Reception at the IBA Conference in Washington D.C.
Greenberg Traurig's Tel Aviv office and Israel Practice are involved in the community and are committed to supporting Israeli social causes and the values of Tikkun Olam (social justice). Greenberg Traurig is proud to provide pro bono legal assistance and financial support to numerous charitable organizations that serve Israel and the worldwide Jewish community, including:
- Women's International Zionist Organization (WIZO)
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- United Jewish Appeal (UJA)/ Federation of Jewish Philanthropies
- IRHA (Israel Recreational Hockey Association)
- Colel Chabad/ Pantry Packers Soup Kitchens
^Greenberg Traurig's Tel Aviv office is a branch of Greenberg Traurig, P.A., Florida, USA, licensed by the Israel bar association as a foreign law firm. Attorneys in the Tel Aviv office do not practice Israeli law.


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Further to International Bureau Circular 175 of 7 November 2016, the designated operator of Romania, Compania Nationala Posta Romana S.A., asks us to inform the designated operators of other Union member countries that Romanian citizens living overseas may cast their ballots by mail for the general elections to be held in Romania on 11 December 2016.
All documents were sent to Romanian voters living overseas by registered mail/EMS as separate dispatches between 4 and 11 November 2016, marked "ELECTORAL DISPATCH". Compania Nationala Posta Romana S.A. provided the respective postal operators with pre-alert dispatch information each time it forwarded these electoral dispatches.
Compania Nationala Posta Romana S.A. requests all designated operators to ensure the immediate distribution of electoral mail to Romanian voters living overseas, to accept IBRS envelopes free of charge, and to forward the latter to Romania as soon as possible.
Compania Nationala Posta Romana S.A. thanks all member countries and their designated operators for their cooperation.


text:
Japanese proportional Handwriting OpenType font
DescriptionYOzFont is Handwriting Japanese font that standards to "JIS X 0213:2004" and contains the 10000 or more characters (includes hiragana, katakana and kanji). This is "meiryo compatible" - similar to Microsoft Meiryo font, proportional (without Japanese character) and Wide line pitch This is metapackage, it pulls all YOzFont packages.
Upload more screenshots Please help extend the collection of screenshots. Just make a screenshot and upload it here. You don't need to register or anything.
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16025 other people were interested in this package here. The newest known version of this software is 14.04-2 (Information last updated about 10 hours ago.)
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text:
Thu Mar 15, 2018
7:00 pm
Ashkenaz Community Center
7-8p Beginner/Intermediate NO DROP-INS
A new series starts on the first week of every month. Advanced registration is required by one week before the beginning of the new month.
Private lessons may be taught during any month where advance enrollment does not meet the minimum., so be sure to enroll by the 4th Thursday of the month or before, if you are interested in the series.
firstname.lastname@example.com. www.swingout.info 925-360-3527
Event details last verified [lv_date] [event_edit_link class="blue"]Edit this Event[/event_edit_link]


text:
More about stroke or brain attack
The American Stroke Association (ASA), a division of the American Heart Association, reports the following statistics regarding strokes:
Stroke is the fifth largest cause of death, ranking behind diseases of the heart, all forms of cancer, and lower respiratory disease.
Almost every 40 seconds in the United States, someone has a stroke.
Over 4 million U.S. adults live today with the effects of a stroke.
ASA estimates strokes cost the U.S. $73.7 billion in 2010.
Women account for about 6 in 10 stroke deaths. Men have a greater incidene of stroke, but women die more frequently of stroke.
African Americans have almost twice the risk of a first-ever stroke compared with Caucasian males. They also have a much higher death rate from stroke than Caucasian males.
Hispanics have an increased risk of stroke compared with non-Hispanic whites.
Each year about 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke in the U.S.
Stroke accounts for about 1 out of every 18 deaths in the U.S.
There are more strokes as people live longer because the risk of stroke increases with age.


text:
I am probably being thick but.....
I have turned off all the notifications I can find but cannot stop the annoying voice telling me I have a message.
How do I kill the mailman?
Moderators: CakeBoy, GreenBean, Gouezeri, bruceb
CakeBoy wrote:It's the executive knotted hanky that does it I miss Phil
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text:
Two more contestants were chopped from "The Voice" Tuesday night, reducing Team Adam and Team Cee Lo to two-man line-ups.
Cee Lo Green, who voted auto-shop heartthrob James Massone off the show last night, had to choose between his final two female vocalists, Cheesa and Juliet Simms after "Voice" voters saved Jamar Rogers from elimination.
Adam Levine, who cut Pip during instant eliminations, had the option of saving Katrina Parker or Mathai. Tony Lucca was saved.
U.S. & World
Not surprisingly, the battle between Cheesa and Simms was the toughest of the night. Cheesa sang Kelly Clarkson's "Already Gone," a performance that was sometimes impressive and sometimes difficult to listen to.
Simms sang "Torn" by Natalie Imbruglia, a performance that wasn't perfect either, but good enough to her keep on the talent show. (Cee Lo argued that Juliet's voice was like art imitating life and life isn't perfect.)
Mathai, the petite girl with the big smile tried to charm the judges with "Cowboy Casanova," while Parker earned a top complement from two judges after performing "Perfect."
Both Blake Shelton and Christina Aguilera said she was the best singer on Levine's team. Levine agreed saving her over Mathai.
Here's where teams stand heading into semifinals, which air Monday, 8 p.m. ET on NBC:
Team Adam: Katrina Parker, Tony Lucca
Team Blake: Erin Willett, Jermaine Paul
Team Cee Lo: Juliet Simms, Jamar Rogers
Team Christina: Chris Mann, Lindsey Pavao


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i beg for comments like every second of my life...and what do we get none. i just dont understand it. are we afraid to comment? are we too busy to comment? are we too lazy? i just dont know what to think anymore
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
maybe this is our fault
Posted by kimmie e at 2:30 AM 1 comments
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text:
You can play a demo of ilomilo—an upcoming Xbox Live Arcade puzzle game from Swedish developer Southend Interactive—but good luck trying to find it. You'll find a listing for the game, but no option to download a trial. And that's because Southend decided upon a unique marketing tactic for the game: secrecy.
The only way to access the game is by visiting a hidden site that provides a download code for the demo. The site was launched in conjunction with the Windows Phone 7 version of the game, which is already available, and is a joint effort between Southend and Microsoft Game Studios.
"This unusual secret release is a collaboration with Ross Perez, producer at Microsoft Game Studios," producer Malte Olsson told Ars. "We wanted to capture the feeling you have when you belong to an exclusive club. Like getting the golden ticket in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory—We already knew that ilomilo for Windows Phone 7 was going to be released before the XBLA version so we saw a great opportunity to 'leak' a secret link together with that release. We anticipated that it would spread virally, but it has spread more than we could imagine."
And it appears to be a success, at least so far. While the game isn't yet available, news of the secret demo spread quickly, first through word of mouth, and then through coverage from Game Informer and a number of other popular gaming sites. With no traditional marketing, this small downloadable puzzler managed to get in the news. By making the demo a secret, it became more enticing to potential players.
As it turns out, the timing couldn't have been better. After sneaking ilomilo into the collective consciousness, Microsoft announced that the game is going to be part of its upcoming Games For the Holidays promotion starting in January, where it will be joined by Raskulls and A World of Keflings. In an additional bit of clever marketing, ilomilo will feature unlockable costumes featuring characters from the other two games.
According to Olsson, part of the reason this marketing technique was chosen was because of the type of player the studio was hoping to attract.
"We think the secret launch attracts people that like this type of puzzle game," he told Ars. "The secret launch is also a way of giving something back to our fans: early access to the game for all those who have followed the development for over a year. This is an early Christmas gift from us to our fans! You never know for sure how this kind of launch will be received, but it's been a really positive experience."
Now that the secret is out, you won't have to wait long to play the full version of ilomilo: it hits XBLA on January 5.


text:
Politicians and Election, Vote in Freedom, Actively Participate in Democracy, Vote for Change, Online referendum
National Association for Change
> Egypt > Parties > National Association for Change
National Association for Change is ready for your opinion, support and vote. Vote online NOW!
الجمعية الوطنية للتغيير - for
(Al-Gamaʿiyya al-Waṭaniyya lit-Taghyīr) | National Association for Change is a grooping of the various Egyptian of all political affiliations and religion.
الجمعية الوطنية للتغيير - against
انقر فوق، إذا كنت لا تؤيد هذا الحزب السياسي. | Click, if you do not support this political party. Say why.
Related polls > Arab Democratic Nasserist Party, New Wafd Party, National Democratic Party of Egypt, Free Egyptians Party, National Progressive Unionist Party, Freedom and Justice Party, Egyptian Social Democratic Party, Socialist Popular Alliance Party, Al-Wasat Party , Al-Nour Party , Building and Development Party, Reform and Development Party, (National Association for Change) and more...


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Ponce and around
Known as La Perla de Sud ("the pearl of the south"), PONCE is a glittering showcase of criollo architecture, its lavish buildings a legacy of the golden years between the 1880s and 1930s, when the city was the hub of vastly profitable trades in rum, sugar cane and shipping. Ponce remains the second largest city in Puerto Rico outside Greater San Juan, and sometimes fierce rivalry exists between the two, Ponceños often portraying themselves as a more sophisticated bunch than their money-minded northern cousins: as they say, "Ponce es Ponce, lo demás es parking" ("Ponce is Ponce, the rest is just parking"). Ponce feels surprisingly provincial despite its status, retaining a relaxed atmosphere long lost in the capital.
Ponce is an enchanting old city with plenty to see, but much of the allure comes from its ravishing architecture, actually a mishmash of styles employed between 1880 and 1940. Ponce Creole style blends traditional clapboard criollo houses with exuberant balconies and layers of marble, while Ponce Neoclassical became vogue between the US occupation and the 1920s, a decorative form most associated with architect Alfredo Wiechers and influenced by Art Nouveau. You'll also see several Art Deco gems dotted around town, built in the 1930s. Downtown Ponce, or Ponce Centro, is where most of the historic attractions are located. To the south, Ponce La Playa is the old port district while La Guancha is a flashy boardwalk and marina at the end of PR-12, both excellent places to eat but with not much else to do. West of town on PR-2, Las Cucharas is another cluster of inviting waterside restaurants, while overlooking Ponce Centro on the foothills to the north is El Vigía and Castillo Serallés.
Several buildings act as small but fascinating museums, such as the exhibition commemorating the Ponce Massacre, while the collection of fine artwork on display at the Museo de Arte would be considered impressive in any European city. To get a feel for the old money that once dominated Ponce, visit Museo Castillo Serallés on the outskirts of town, monument to the great Don Q sugar and rum dynasty, and the sobering Panteón Nacional Román Baldorioty de Castro, the city's historic cemetery.
Brief history
Ponce was little more than a village until the mid-nineteenth century, evolving around a hermitage established in 1670. Ponce de León y Loayza (or Loíza), Juan Ponce de León's great-grandson, obtained official recognition for the settlement in 1692, and the village was promptly named in his honour. Ponce remained a sleepy backwater until the 1820s, when the south became the centre of the burgeoning sugar economy. The good times lasted well into the 1930s, the city home to scores of artists, politicians and poets; Ponceños are justly proud of their musical traditions, and claim that danza and plena were invented in the city. Ponce was also the home of the growing independence movement. In 1937, seventeen civilians were killed by police during a march celebrating the 64th anniversary of the abolition of slavery, a tragic event known as the Ponce Massacre. After World War II the agrarian economy collapsed, and the introduction of new factories did little to alleviate the decline of the city. The administration of Mayor Rafael "Churumba" Cordero began to turn things around in the 1990s, and although the popular leader died in office in 2004, his successors have continued to revive downtown Ponce.
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Wednesday, May 25, 2011
"Can ya Sell it?"
I had loads of fun making this project. It has paper printed from the Imagine covering the front, numerous cricut cuts, and it took just about all of the imagination I had. It's about 21" tall and 24" wide. It also took almost all of the glue I had on hand, and almost 2 full paper stacks as well as my imagine paper. I used paper from the DCWV collection, but I can't remember the name of them. If I could have a house in the country somewhere, this is what I would want it to look like. Come along with me while I take you on a tour of my own "Mansion".
Bay Window with Picket Fence.
Front door.
Porch Swing with Picket Fence.
Bathroom Balcony
Kitchen with farmhouse sink.
Living Room with Grandfather clock
Cabinet in the Bedroom.
My favorite room, bath with old fashioned pull toilet.
Attic/Craft/Inspiration Room
Top of Desk with "glass" top and collectibles inside.
I hope you enjoyed the tour of my house, and to answer my husband's question, NO I can't sell, what in the world would someone do with it:)
Until next time, and thanks Sheila for once again having me as a guest.
49 comments:
- Stacy said...
This is stunning!
- May 25, 2011 at 8:08 AM
- papillon digital design said...
Oh WOW!. I just posted this link in cricut MB. Just had to share the link. This is a stunner for sure
- May 25, 2011 at 8:09 AM
WOW! Just WOW! Your house in the country is just unbelievable! I am amazed at the detail and think of the time you must have spent creating it...just beautiful! TFS!
Carol aka cyimbugbitten
- May 25, 2011 at 8:12 AM
Wow..what a work of love. Your craftsmanship is awesome!
- May 25, 2011 at 8:28 AM
- Diane Hodrick said...
holy cow, batman. i think you could sell it. ;) amazing creation...thanks for sharing it with us!
- May 25, 2011 at 8:30 AM
- Josie0602 said...
Um...I think you could sell it! Etsy or Ebay...I think someone would buy that! Wow! Lots of work and it looks wonderful!
- May 25, 2011 at 8:43 AM
- Unknown said...
Stunning !!!!
What a terrific job :)
- May 25, 2011 at 8:53 AM
- Mrs. Green said...
Fantastic work!
- May 25, 2011 at 9:44 AM
- Sandi Clarkson said...
Holy Toledo! This is just incredible! Love it to pieces!
- May 25, 2011 at 9:51 AM
- Tanya~Studio 5380 said...
Wow...what an amazing work of art! I am just blown away by your project. My granddaughter is standing beside me as I enjoyed your pictures. She keeps saying...she made all that with paper? she made all that paper? Really, just paper? At 6, even she is amazed! Again....wow!
- May 25, 2011 at 9:58 AM
- Carole P said...
OMG! Jaw dropping, for sure! Words cannot describe how stupendous this is!
- May 25, 2011 at 10:03 AM
OMG!! this is awesome... You said it took weeks it looks like to me it would have taken months and months to complete.
Wonderful job...
- May 25, 2011 at 10:11 AM
- Debbie O'Neal said...
WOW...this is absolutely gorgeous! I am just soaking up all the little details you made. I bet once you got into this you really had fun coming up with all the ideas for each room !
Thanks for sharing your talents with us. Debbie
- May 25, 2011 at 10:28 AM
- scootingranny said...
I absolutely adore miniatures (guess it's appealing to my inner child) and this is just totally fantastic.
Great job
- May 25, 2011 at 10:29 AM
- Nadia (WithGlitteringEyes.blogspot.com) said...
Your project is absolutely beautiful. So much rich detail and many beautiful accents. So inspiring and whimsical. Thank you for sharing your work!
- May 25, 2011 at 10:30 AM
- cdm317 said...
Wow, how amazingly creative! I can't imagine how much work you put into this! I am in total awe!
- May 25, 2011 at 11:04 AM
- Jodie R said...
Beth! It is amazing!! I want to go live in it!! It's hard to believe it is paper!
- May 25, 2011 at 11:29 AM
- Sheila aka SassyLady said...
This is such an AMAZING project! Every detail is just perfect in every room. Thank you for sharing with us today at She's A Sassy Lady.
- May 25, 2011 at 11:32 AM
- Maria said...
What a great job. It turned out beautiful. I would never thought of making something like that. You put alot detail in it. Great job
- May 25, 2011 at 11:37 AM
- Sonya said...
Oh My GOODNESS! This is the most stunning creation of paper I've ever seen!
- May 25, 2011 at 12:04 PM
- Angi Barrs said...
WOWZA...This is a super amazing project. You are so crafty clever. :)
- May 25, 2011 at 1:52 PM
- Gina piazza said...
Really, really awesome! The detail is great!
- May 25, 2011 at 2:54 PM
- Got2BCrafting said...
No words to describe how amazing I think this is!! I truly am Speechless!!!
- May 25, 2011 at 3:14 PM
- gaterlady said...
Words escape me! That is just awesome. You have created a work of art. I cannot even begin to think of how long that took you.
- May 25, 2011 at 4:04 PM
wow absolutely stunning. The best yet
- May 25, 2011 at 7:08 PM
- Kathy said...
Wow...how awesome is this! I am sharing a link also on Smart Buy Gal message board...this just needs to be seen by everyone.
- May 25, 2011 at 7:16 PM
Oh my stars - that is absolutely beautiful!!! And I agree, I would love to be out in the middle of nowhere living in your mansion :-)
- May 25, 2011 at 9:36 PM
- Crafty Teacher said...
Wow! That is fantastic! My daughter would want to play paperdolls in that house. I love all the details! It probably would sell, but I wouldn't want to part with it. :)
- May 25, 2011 at 10:27 PM
- just by lee said...
what a positively awesome beautiful piece of art!!! It even looks like it was made with a lot of tlc and love! thanks for sharing
- May 25, 2011 at 11:11 PM
- Nana Donna said...
OMG that is incredible, all the details and the furniture it is fabulous. It would have taken me a year to make it, after all it takes me 3 days to make a card. Love your blog and are becoming a follower
- May 26, 2011 at 12:22 AM
- Just Jenae said...
That is so something my hubby would say too. He prefers when I make a "useful" craft. But I really love to make stuff for fun too! This is an AMAZING project. So fun! I think you could sell it as well, but how can you put a price on a project YOU love? Great job!!!
- May 26, 2011 at 1:45 AM
- LilGreenBug said...
HOLY AWESOME HOUSE, BATMAN!!! This is absolutely amazing!!! My jaw hit the floor as I toured each room with its' beautiful furnishings!!! Absolutely spectacular!!! How long did it take you to make???
- May 26, 2011 at 3:18 AM
- Karleen said...
This is the WOW factor. What a beautiful house this. I couldn't begin to start. Thanks for sharing
- May 26, 2011 at 8:12 AM
- Houses Built of Cards said...
Ummm...I think I'm speechless!!! I didn't know that something like this was possible!!! That is TRULY AMAZING!!! Amazing work!!!
- May 26, 2011 at 9:02 AM
- Boopster said...
I would say "speechless", except I am still writing. Such a MAH-velous use of textures, color, the whole spectrum of creative experience. Not to mention patience, attention to detail, did I say creativity? Add some flowers, incense and cookies, and you have scent, as well.
Yes, you probably COULD sell it, not nearly for the price it is worth, nor for the amount it cost to make it. Additionally, whomever purchased might appreciate it for the work of art it is, but would probably never appreciate the amount of work that went into it.
Seriously, have you sent a picture of this to the Smithsonian? It is classic folk art using 21st century tools. Think about it.
- May 26, 2011 at 9:08 AM
- Emily said...
Holy Cow!!! This is amazing :) Nice work!
- May 26, 2011 at 11:06 AM
- Jenny Svensson said...
Oh, wow, It turned out so pretty!
Thank's for the cred! Much appreciated :)
Hugs, Jenny
- May 26, 2011 at 4:12 PM
- Diane M. said...
Absolutely fantastic!
- May 26, 2011 at 8:46 PM
- Scrapper69 said...
This is the most AMAZING Project I've ever seen! You certainly deserve to win just by looking at this.... I know it's a random thing.... Soooo I'm hoping your number gets picked! I'm just in AWE! Thanks for sharing it! :o)
- May 27, 2011 at 4:52 AM
- Shari said...
I LOVE IT! I have always wanted a doll house about that size. I even have a pattern for the particular one I want. I never thought of making it out of paper and chipboard. What a great idea.
Question, where did you find the cuts or patterns for the furniture?
I bet you could sell a pattern and instructions for the whole house or for individual rooms. Something to think about.
Shari Y . . .
- May 28, 2011 at 4:25 PM
- Jeanine said...
All I can say is WOW!!!
Its adorable!!!
- May 29, 2011 at 10:48 PM
- Unknown said...
Wow! This is awesome!
- May 31, 2011 at 9:38 AM
- Audrey Frelx said...
SUPER WOW!!! Sorry I missed this when it was over at Sheila's. This is fantastic!!! I don't blame your hubby at all!
You did a super marvelous job on this!
- June 2, 2011 at 7:28 PM
- Audrey Frelx said...
I'm following you now. I have to say this project has definitely impressed me and sorry I hadn't gotten by sooner. I always try to reach out to my "Sassy" team sisters!
Been having internet problems but, hopefully, I'm okay for a while now so I'll be back for more inspiration and motivation soon!
- June 2, 2011 at 7:31 PM
- Mercedes Pineiro said...
OMG, what a beautiful house. This is a great project is amazing the work you have put in this project and the details are just amazing. Thanks for sharing this with us.
- July 1, 2011 at 10:54 PM
- Gail said...
stopping by from the cricut circle blog. nice work,.
- July 17, 2011 at 9:00 PM
Wow - just found your site by checking out your blog linked from the Cricut message board about the banner contest. This is absolutely amazing! I love your picket fence, the daisy garden sign, and the button daisies on the fence, and not to mention the porch swing, and of course all of the hanging pictures and furniture on the inside. I could go on and on! Love the materials you used in neat ways! Awesome!!!
- September 22, 2011 at 9:46 PM
- Sherry said...
This is spectacular, simply amazing, I would have never even thought of such a big project.
- January 14, 2012 at 12:40 AM
- cathy said...
Wowser!!!!!!! Totally amazing, I can't imagine how many hours this took - but the end result was perfect. Love the rest of your work too and "pinned" your Valentine snowman. TFS
- January 28, 2012 at 9:16 AM


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Global unconventional gas market was valued at USD 93.95 billion in 2012 and is expected to reach USD 126.93 billion by 2019, growing at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2013 to 2019. In terms of volume, global production was 23.48 trillion cubic feet (tcf) in 2012 and is expected to reach 34.12 tcf by 2019, growing at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2013 to 2019.
Depleting conventional gas reserves coupled with fluctuating natural gas prices has led to increasing preference towards unconventional gases. In addition, abundant availability of technically recoverable unconventional gas reserves backed by technological advancement in the U.S. is further expected to boost the market growth.
Tight gas was the largest produced unconventional gas and accounted for over 44% of the total market in 2012. Shale gas is expected to be the fastest growing gas type at an estimated CAGR of 7% from 2013 to 2019. Shale gas success in U.S. has led other countries such as China to shift their focus towards developing shale gas. Global CBM production is expected to reach 4,256.8 bcf by 2019, U.S. and Canada CBM markets are nearing saturation and are expected to grow at a sluggish rate. However, CBM production in Asia Pacific, especially in Australia and Indonesia is expected to drive the overall market. Australia, owing to its huge CBM deposits, is expected to become one of the major CBM producers over the next six years.U.S. emerged as the leading producer of unconventional gas and accounted for more than 70% of the total production in 2012. Large amount of shale gas reserves in the U.S. coupled with advanced production techniques adopted is expected to shift the U.S. from a net gas importer to a net gas exporter. Asia Pacific is expected to be fastest growing market at an estimated CAGR of 20.8% between 2013 and 2019. China has substantial technically recoverable shale gas reserves but presently there is no shale gas production and it is expected to commence by 2015.
Unconventional gases are being used in power generation and industrial application. Industrial application accounted for nearly 30% of the total unconventional gas produced in 2012. Power generation is expected to be the fastest growing application due to increasing energy demand growing at a CAGR of 7.1% from 2013 to 2019. The production of unconventional gases for residential application was nearly 4800 bcf in 2012. Transportation industry is expected to generate revenue worth USD 4.85 billion by 2019.
The global unconventional gas market was highly fragmented with no clear leader. In 2012, Chesapeake Energy, Exxon Mobil and Devon Energy emerged as top three manufacturers of shale gas. BG Group, Arrow Energy and Dart Energy were top three CBM manufacturers and accounted for over 60% of the total CBM production in 2012. Anadarko, AGL Energy, BHP Billiton, BG Group, BP, Chevron, EXCO Resources, Great Eastern Energy, Origin Energy, PetroChina, Shell and Total are some of the key industry participants in the unconventional gas market.
- Shale Gas Market: Application Analysis
Power generation
- Coal Bed Methane Market: Application Analysis
Power generation
- Tight Gas Market: Application Analysis
Power generation
- Unconventional Gas Market (Including shale gas, CBM and tight gas): Regional Analysis
Asia Pacific
Rest of the World
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text:
Yes, the lightmaps thing will be very difficult to realize, maybe a little easier if you have purelight, but not sure if it is worth that cost.
I would import the models into blender, add a second UV map and use lightmap unwrap, blender has already an automatic function for that, it will unwrap the model for use with lightmaps.
Then I would place lights where lights should be and then bake lightmaps, but then you would face the problem, that torque needs that lightmap in each material slot as lightmap, this system only works well if you use one atlas map for the whole model, otherwise it will be a pain.
So overall it may not be worth the effort.
I tried lightmap baking the ambient occlusion into my buildingsite map, but then found that the Torque lighting with SSAO gives a decent result.
First I would try to replace the many blank surfaces with actual textures, it may give the greatest visual improvement, you have many plain white or red surfaces, they are pretty aggressive to the eye.


text: Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums :: View topic - A Tearing Lotus (4): Different Fortune Wheels Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Students and Teachers from Around the World!" FAQ Search Memberlist Usergroups Register Profile Log in to check your private messages Log in A Tearing Lotus (4): Different Fortune Wheels Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Literature View previous topic :: View next topic Author Message wenziliJoined: 17 Mar 2006Posts: 83Location: China Posted: Thu Jan 10, 2008 4:55 am Post subject: A Tearing Lotus (4): Different Fortune Wheels (4) Different Fortune Wheels The alumni-reunion party was conducted successfully. More than 80 alumni with age about 70 were gathering together. As if passing through a time tunnel, those senior people suddenly behaved in childlike ways: speaking and laughing loudly, slapping and jumping naively, no one could imaged how many surprises and fun had been brought to them. Two days gathering was swiftly over. Then, those old people were immersed in a sad parting again in tears, since no one knew if they would have a chance to meet each other again. On October 3, Xi Hua and her husband got up much earlier than usual. They went to their vegetable garden at 4 am. Then, her husband, ridding on a bicycle, went to a remote village to purchase some green meat domestically produced by local countrymen. Xi Hua herself, however, had her dilapidated house thoroughly cleaned up. After that, this thrifty couple ran wild to find possibly luxury food, such as wild soft-shield tortoise, huge frogs*** to host their rare visitors. Before 12 oclock am, the dinner was ready and the guests, Shu Zhen and her husband, Zhi Ming arrived in time at her pre-classmates humble house. A complex impulse immediately arose in mind as Shu Zhen noticed her classmate still in such poverty. She couldnt help to bottom up again and again to acknowledge Xi Huas matchmaking, which, as she frankly pointed out, had entirely changed her own and her whole familys life as well. At that very moment while Xi Hua introduced her to Zhi Ming, her mother just had an agonized accident and whole family was on the corner. The marriage made them free from the economic odds just in time. Shortly after their marriage, Zhi Ming was transferred to a state-own civilian company as a directing manager. In the middle of 1990s, Zhi Ming retired from the leading post. Thanks to his reconnaissances dowry, he penetrated the trend of Chinese capital market and invested all his compensation in real estate. After several years, as the estate price soaring in local market, he became a multimillionaire now. They had two boys and one daughter; all of them got their favorite university education, and consequently had sound salary incomes. Undoubtedly, Her family enjoyed a really happy life. As Shu Zhens thankful and emotional talking, Zhi Ming sitting in the most honorable seat, however, just kept silent. Then, after a toast, he spoke slowly, but his topic was totally different from Shun Zhens. What he constantly talking about is personal fate. He took his sister He Hua as an instance. My sister had a very bad luck. Her life is full of frustrations. After several bottoms up, surprisingly, he choked with sobs and told everyone a sad story, which puzzled Xi Hua more than half a century (To be continued by (5) Misery As Long As Thread)_________________Practice made every effort perfect Back to top Display posts from previous: All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Literature All times are GMT - 8 Hours Page 1 of 1 Jump to: Select a forum Student Forums----------------ComputersCurrent NewsCultureEnglish SchoolsFamilyFilm and CinemaFoodHealth and FitnessHelp CenterHobbiesHolidaysLearning EnglishLiteratureMaking FriendsMusicOpinionsPetsScienceSportsThe Strange and MysteriousTOEFL and Other English ExamsTravel You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot vote in polls in this forum Dave's ESL Cafe is maintained by the one and only Dave Sperling. Banner Advertising | Bookstore / Alta Books | FAQs | Articles | Interview with Dave Copyright © 2018 Dave's ESL Cafe | All Rights Reserved | Contact Dave's ESL Cafe | Site Map Teachers College, Columbia University: Train to Teach English Here or Abroad Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group


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ING Direct Review and $25 Referral (Orange Key) Bonus
To skip the review and go straight to the ING orange key $25 referral bonus, click here.
Recently, I was surfing the net doing research on high interest tax free savings accounts and when I came across ING Direct, I noticed that they are offering a sign up bonus of $25 when depositing $100 initially (click here for coupon code, or keep reading below). So I thought, what the heck, I'll sign up for an account and review the service for MDJ readers, and the $25 sign up bonus doesn't hurt either.
What is ING Direct?
ING direct is an online bank (covered by CDIC) similar to the PC Financial high interest savings account. That is, you do all your basic banking elsewhere, but you can transfer money back to forth to ING's savings accounts to take advantage of their relatively competitve interest rates.
Account Offerings
This is a regular savings TFSA, not like a trading TFSA like what some discount brokers offer. In addition to regular savings TFSA, they offer mutual fund and GIC TFSAs.
Childrens Savings Account (CSA)
A really neat feature with ING is their Childrens Savings Account. This account is offered for existing ING customers with children. Basically, it allows a high interest savings account for the child while having it linked to the parent account.
High Interest Savings
ING's high interest account is similar to the PC Financial account except with a slightly higher interest rate. This is the account that I opened to claim my $25 freebie.
The Fees
As far as I know, there are no fees when banking with ING direct.
The Sign up Process
I must say that the account setup was painless and relatively quick. All they needed was basic personal info along with basic banking info from which the client will be transferring money from. After that, a personal cheque needs to be mailed in to verify banking information. From the beginning to end, the whole process took about 3 business days, with about 20 minutes worth of "work".
$25 ING Direct Signup Referral Bonus
In order to get the $25 ING Canada freebie,
- Start your application.
- When the form asks, use the orange key code 38980411S1 (new – April 2012)
- Deposit at least $100 with your initial bank verification cheque .
After your account is opened, you'll notice the $25 bonus appear in your transaction history. Note that the code above is good for 50 uses only, so use it while you can. I don't expect it to last long.
Final Thoughts
As I already have a PC Financial high interest savings account that I use often, my initial reason for opening the ING Direct account was for the $25 freebie which took 20 minutes of my time. However, after seeing their offerings, and their higher interest rates, I may use this account as my "fun money" account.
Anyone else with ING Direct? What has your experience been like?


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Oil Filter
There's a lot of gunk inside your engine that gets pushed through while it's running. Like any other type of filter, the oil filter is designed to keep all those particles from going where they shouldn't. Some oil companies also offer filters to match and some don't. In the instances that they don't, there are options out there for you whether it be OEM or from a company like K&N.
The Tools
14-17mm socket or wrench depending on car
Jack stands
Oil filter wrench
Brake cleaner
Dirty rags
The Oils
Royal Purple
High Performance Street
Type: Full Synthetic With Synerlec
Filter Available: Yes
Royal Purple has always had the cool factor because it's, well, purple. Aside from being Lakers colors, I actually like purple. The new High Performance Street line from Royal Purple was pretty much perfect for this story I was writing. It's almost as if they read my mind, but they didn't. Just good timing I guess. Royal Purple just launched the HPS and designed it with modified street engines in mind. Come on, that pretty much fits the bill of everyone in the sport compact scene and beyond. From what we're told, and all we're told because it's top secret, there is an additive inside HPS that helps keep the old worn internals of your engine feeling nice and lubed. The Synerlec is said to provide the extra lubrication and protection needed for high lift cams, not that you'd do anything to affect the emission output of your car, right? In fact, it doesn't just prevent more damage from occurring, the HPS is said to repair some extremely worn areas as well. As for oil filters, you shouldn't have a problem finding one from Royal Purple. They pride themselves in not using paper in their filters and offer the synthetic micro-glass oil filter for a really wide range of cars or trucks. I had no problem tracking one down for this 2004 Subaru WRX test car.
Ultimate Durability
Type: Full Synthetic
Filter Available: Yes
Quaker State might be one of the oil companies that have been around for quite a while, but that doesn't stop them from adapting to the times. The Ultimate Durability line was designed with sport compact cars in mind. All those V8 muscle car guys that dub our cars as "rice burners" are just in denial that the small engines in our cars can pump out so much power without guzzling 40 gallons of gas a week. The engineers at Quaker State threw in some extra head activated additives to give the ultimate protection in all driving conditions. That includes your weekend track racing with high revs or the abuse of daily driving in traffic. We tried to find the ideal temperature for this oil, but it has been tested in both extreme cold and heat to perform no matter where on the planet you live. Like the other oils in this story, the Ultimate Durability works overtime to keep your engine internals clean. Match the Ultimate Durability up with a Quaker State oil filter and you'll be set for the next 7,000-10,000 miles.
Ultra Class
Type: Full Synthetic
Filter Available: Yes
The first, and probably most important thing that anyone from Pennzoil about their product that it's recommended by Ferrari North America to use on their exotic supercars. That should mean that it's more than enough protection for your fixed up Acura RSX and our Subaru WRX. The Ultra line is the newest addition to the Pennzoil family and has been boasted as the most their most technologically advanced oil ever. Most important on their list is the fact that the cleaning elements inside the Ultra oil helps flush out the nasty sludge that builds up in your motor over the years. I actually did that the other day with some body cleansing, but I'll spare you the gory details. Just because you follow the guidelines and change your oil routinely, it doesn't mean that this gunk won't end up hanging out in your engine. Actually, the Pennzoil people say that it'll clean your motor back to factory specs. You'll have to take their word for it unless you decide to strip about your engine, which I'm not about to do before the deadline of this story. A clean engine will increase gas mileage and lifespan of your already beat up motor.
Signature Series
Type: Full Synthetic
Oil Filter Available: Yes
If you're lazy like most people in this world then trying to keep up with the normal routine of changing your car's oil, then the AMSoil Signature Series might just be for you. This line is specifically designed to last 25,000 miles or one year (whichever comes first) and that takes a huge load off of your things to do list for a while. OK. Maybe you're not lazy, but just really busy. The Signature Series from AMSoil can at least give you the peace of mind that your slacking off isn't going to cost your motor anything in terms of damage. Though you might think that leaving your engine oil unchanged for 25,000 miles is kind of sketchy, the AMSoil people assure us that you will still get the same amount of protection throughout that time as well as improve gas mileage because of reduced friction. I'm not sure about the rest of the world, but I know it gets pretty toasty in California during the summer especially when you're at the track. Fortunately, high temperatures are where this oil excels and breaking down will never be an issue.


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Kim Kardashian & Kate Middleton Will Both Be Taking Babies On Tour
Talk about keeping the family together! After the arrivals of their little ones, both Kate and Kim will reportedly be taking their new babies on tour with their significant others!
Just a few short weeks separate Kate Middleton, 31, and Kim Kardashian, 32, from the birth of their first child, which reportedly might fall on the same day! After the birth, the Duchess of Cambridge and the reality star won't be staying cooped up inside — they'll reportedly be taking their little ones on tour around the world with their significant others.
Prince William & Kate Middleton's Little Royal Traveler
According to Us Weekly, after the birth of the royal heir, Prince William, 30, and Kate will be spending a lot of time trekking around with their bundle of joy. Following William's two-week paternity leave, Kate and the royal baby will divide their time between London and Kate's parents' Berkshire home.
And once the baby is christened at Buckingham Palace later this year, the royal baby will be traveling across the world with his/her parents. A source tells Us that the trip includes traveling to Australia and New Zealand. Royal baby goes down under!
Kim Kardashian & Kanye West's Baby Will Go On Tour
Kim and Kanye West's little girl won't be staying in one place for too long either, according to Us. After she arrives, she'll be spending her first months at the Jenner mansion.
After that, the little girl will reportedly go on tour in the fall to support her daddy Kanye's new album Yeezus, since Kim and Kanye's $11 million Bel Air mansion won't be ready until December. Way to keep the family together, Kimye!
So HollyMoms, what do YOU think about Kate and Kim taking their babies on tour around the world? Do you think it's a good idea? Let us know!
WATCH: Kim Kardashian vs. Kate Middleton Pregnant Fashion Style
— Avery Thompson
More Kim Vs. Kate Maternity News:
- Kate Middleton Vs. Kim Kardashian: Whose Bright Pregnant Look Is Best?
- Kim Kardashian Vs. Kate Middleton In Black & White: Who Wore It Best?
- Kim Kardashian Vs. Kate Middleton — Whose Pregnancy Dress Is Best?


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Scotty McCreery has a good shot at becoming the most successful Idol winner since Carrie Underwood. But, Richard Rushfield says, the show is unfairly fixed—by the audience. Plus, watch Idol's top 9 WTF moments.
First the good news. American Idol had two massive overriding goals in this tenth season: to keep the ratings from going into freefall post-Simon Cowell, and to produce a winner who could sell tons of records, something Idol has not done now for years.
The first of these Idol accomplished, and then some. The ratings this season have been at worst only slightly down from last year, and on some weeks, they have been up substantially; a feat almost without precedent for a TV show in its tenth year (that's 80 years in Earth time), let alone one which has just lost its iconic star.
Watch Video: Scotty McCreery Wins Idol
On the second goal—creating a mega-selling recording act—it is too soon to say, but there is certainly cause for cautious optimism about Idol's just crowned champion Scotty McCreery. There is a case to be made that as an attractive young man with a solid voice working in the Idol-friendly country genre, Scotty might end up becoming Idol's biggest record mover in a half decade, since the show last crowned a country champion, with Carrie Underwood. Only time will tell and many a slip occurs on the way to the Billboard charts, but having dominated the season as no Idol has since Underwood, the signs are positive.
Given these successes any objections fall into the category of "yes... but"s and can easily be classed minor quibbles. But minor though they may be, the stack of quibbles this season has accumulated can be piled fairly high. Taken together, they paint a picture of very different Idol emerging this season from the goliath America has come to regard with awe and terror. It is a show still with some great strengths and whose following is not going anywhere anytime soon. But after Season 10, the era when Idol was seen as a supernatural force seems to be at an end. The time of thinking of Idol as just a TV show among TV shows may have arrived.
For starters, we might very well mark Season 10 as the year Idol's glass ceiling was cemented in place. It's hard to say exactly how many clinical trials one would need to prove the theorem that good looking white males are the only category with any chance of win, but four lab tests seems ample. For the show's first six years, its winners were as diverse a pool of gender and genres as one could have imagined; veering from Kelly Clarkson to Ruben Studdard, Fantasia to Carrie, Taylor and Jordin Sparks. And then, four white male champions, without interruption. At this point it seems safe to say, barring a force of nature appearing on the Idol stage, no one outside of this demographic need apply for the crown.
Whatever the reason for this shift ( heavy text voting by young women is the usual suspect), this change has taken something huge away from the contest: the idea that anyone can become The American Idol. There is nothing to suggest that, as the conspiracy theorists constantly allege, that Idol is fixed by its producers. However there is now a mountain of evidence suggesting it is fixed by its audience, by voters determined to award the big prize to the most popular boy in the class; for whom the singing part maybe just incidental. (It is worth noting that in each of the last four seasons, the ultimate runner up was thought by the judges and by general critical consensus to have performed better in the finale than the winner.)
At the open of the Wednesday results show, we were reminded, as is the custom, of the journey the finalists had taken since they auditioned nearly a year ago. 100,000 hopefuls whittled down to two finalists and then one champion. In past seasons, that voyage has felt as great an epic as those numbers suggest. But somehow this year it all felt too easy, as though the contestants hadn't hurled themselves desperately though the doors of show business, but had the doors held open for them.
Much of the blame for this has to go to this year's revamped judging panel. Without question, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler have become enormously popular as Idol judges. Tyler has transformed himself into America's favorite wacky uncle. J. Lo has done the impossible: taken a career that had stalled out in every arena—from fashion to music to film—and made herself not just relevant again but beloved. And certainly, that popularity is what has kept the show afloat even while the show failed to produce a break out, sensational contestant.
However, while providing the audiences with affable centerpiece figures, their effect on the proceedings has been insidious. In their unceasing praise of just about every lackluster performance and mediocre night, they rendered the season contourless, with no narrative structure, no obstacles spelled out, no clear mountains to climb. If every moment was magnificent, it made no moments anything more than plain old magnificent. Nothing had room to fall nor room to soar. It was just a parade of songs the audience was told were beautiful and flawless, followed by, the next night, a contestant being ousted seemingly for no reason at all.
The overall effect was that of driving across hundreds of miles of flat, gently rolling farm land; pleasant enough to gaze out at but after a time, one suddenly snaps to consciousness and struggles to remember whether you've been trying for three minutes or three hours.
Worse still, the show's failure to acknowledge in any way that any of the contestants were ever anything less than perfect felt like hype, a drug that in the past Idol has veered away from. We were in the position of college admissions officers reviewing a high school class where everyone got straight A pluses. It seemed the ultimate self-esteem centric, entitled, millennial stereotype. Had this really a struggle for them, or had they all been handed diplomas just for showing up? Little wonder in such a landscape that Scotty, the most steady and reliable if never the most exciting, should trot along to the finish line without ever having that star making moment.
As a result, Idol's magical alchemy never took hold. In the past, the most fascinating thing about the Idol journey has been watching how out of the 100,000 a few emerge whom grow in stature before our eyes until we can't believe that this natural accomplished performer was the same shy little waif we ignored just a few weeks back.
That didn't happen this year. Looking back Wednesday night at the beginnings of runner-up Lauren Alaina and Scotty's journeys, the thought wasn't how far they have come but rather, oh yes, there they were; propped up for stardom from the first.
In many ways, the finale showcased all that was good in the Idol spirit. Bringing Judas Priest and Tony Bennett, Gladys Knight and Lady Gaga together on one stage it was a true celebration of American musical styles, in all their messiness and grandiosity and quiet charm all at once. It was both the least grandiose finale Idol has put on, and one of the most entertaining. The tragedy was that this grade inflated class, full of talent though it may have been, never really had the chance to strive to join this unruly tradition.
It was as though Idol, once a goliath astride the entertainment stage, was suddenly, just a television show.
Richard Rushfield is a four-year veteran of the American Idol beat and the author of a memoir, Don't Follow Me, I'm Lost. His new book, American Idol: The Untold Story, goes behind the scenes of the most popular TV show of the decade.


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Progress on the alleged fiscal cliff has been non-existent. Obama wants tax hikes on the wealthy, Republicans want to close loopholes.
With little possibility of a breakthrough on the fiscal cliff until the "last minute", inquiring minds are likely wondering what the term "last minute" precisely means.
I can help.
Please consider the Wall Street Journal article Obama Calls Boehner, Reid on 'Fiscal Cliff'.
President Barack Obama called House Speaker John Boehner and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid over the weekend to discuss the fiscal cliff, as staff-level negotiations have moved slowly and produced no visible signs of progress on how to avoid the tax increases and spending cuts due take effect in January.
A broader group of negotiators that includes Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.) and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi of California, had been expected to reconvene this week, but that is now unlikely.
With each passing day, the government moves closer to the fiscal cliff, the combination of $500 billion in tax increases and spending cuts that begin in January and that economists have said could tip the country back into a recession.
One veteran Democratic aide said he wasn't surprised major concessions hadn't been made, given that real deal making usually happens at the last minute, which he put at "two weeks away."
Expect Definition to Change
Two weeks away would be December 10, which I suggest is far too early to be considered "last minute".
As supporting evidence, I present the online Congressional Calendar for December.
Green is Senate in Session. Orange is House in Session. The green hashed bars are TBD "to be determined".
Note the Congressional calendar does not include Saturday or Sunday.
Schedule Not Finalized
Out of curiosity, I called the office of the House majority leader Eric Cantor and was told the Congressional schedule for December will not be finalized until Friday, November 30.
Thus, we will not know the semi-final definition of "last minute" until then, but right now the preliminary estimate is no sooner than Friday, December 14.
Bear in mind, should December 14 (or whatever day Congress adjourns for the year) come and go without a Fiscal Cliff deal, assume that "last minute" will be redefined to mid-January 2013 when leaders of both parties will be anxious to roll back some of the tax hikes, referring to the rollbacks as "tax cuts".
Reflections on Our Hard-Working Congressional Representatives
While waiting for the final definition of "last minute", inquiring minds just might want to take a look at other months in the Congressional Calendar to see how frequently our representatives are at work for us.
Here are some sample months to consider.
Shock and Awe
Some people are probably shocked by this. I was not only shocked but appalled.
Indeed, my very first reaction was "My God! Look at how horrendously overworked our representatives are!"
No doubt, many of you had the exact same initial reaction.
That strenuous schedule coupled with hard work explains many things, such as why we have 73,608 pages of tax code piling up month after month, year after year.
click on chart for sharper image
US Congress: The Most Productive Workers on the Planet
The results speak for themselves: US Congress collectively has the most productive workers on the planet.
These horribly-overworked souls are so dedicated to churning out mind-numbing pages of legislation that any clear-thinking individual should be able to quickly spot the need to reduce the number of hours Congress is in session.
Thus, I propose Congress be in session no more than three days per month. Should that fail to dramatically reduce total the number of pages of Congressional bills, I further propose limiting Congressional sessions to alternating months.
If this sounds backwards, you just are not thinking clearly.
Everyone knows nothing gets done until the "last minute" anyway, and this clever proposal will massively increase the percentage of time worked at the "last minute" while also reducing the sheer volume of pages of legislation produced, hopefully to a readable number.
Perhaps members of Congress would even find the time to personally read the bills they sponsor.
I do not want to get hopes up too high, but my proposal might even solve the problem former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi once famously described "We have to pass the health care bill so that you can find out what is in it".
So please call your representatives and tell them you support "Mish's Proposal to Reduce Congressional Sessions" but only after they reduce the number of pages in the tax code to 15.
Mike "Mish" Shedlock
"Wine Country" Economic Conference Hosted By Mish
Click on Image to Learn More


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Most homebuyers have insurance. When they make a big investment in real estate, they want to protect their investment from dangers such as fire or burglary. But if you are a renter, you still have items that need protection but not everyone opts for insurance. Think how long it took you to save up for that couch or TV, how many years you spent building your wardrobe, jewelry or DVD collection.
Renters insurance will cover you in the event something happens to your belongings or that you are temporarily displaced from the home you are renting. Here's what to consider when deciding whether to get renters insurance.
What Is Renters Insurance?
Much like other insurance policies, renters insurance is a gamble. You are betting that something might happen and the insurance company is betting that it won't (or that it won't be terribly expensive). Not all insurance policies are worth the gamble – you must look at the price of the insurance policy, what it provides and the costs you would incur if you didn't have it and disaster struck.
Renters insurance can protect you from damage caused by weather events like wind, rain, snow or lightning, as well as fire, vandalism or theft. Some policies also include liability protection. This would be valuable if someone got injured in your home and sued you.
Renters insurance tends to be cheap. For a low (usually annual) payment, you can often get replacement coverage for your belongings and living expenses if you are displaced. This means that you can get money to replace a damaged or stolen item as well as paying for a hotel or alternative rent if you are forced to leave your home because of damage.
Why You May Need It
One common misconception among renters: The landlord's home insurance policy will cover them.
The landlord's policy covers the actual house, but the things inside (your things!) are not covered. In other words, the structure is the only thing that's insured. Think about how much it would cost you to start over again if you were to lose all of your possessions. It could be a real hit to your financial health.
What to Look Out For
If you have a home business or expensive jewelry, you may need to purchase additional protection, known as a rider. Also, renters insurance policies can have different means of replacing lost items. Some offer replacement coverage, which means the insurance company will pay the full cost of replacing a damaged or stolen item. Others will offer actual cash value. This means the insurance company determines what your items are worth now, accounting for depreciation.
While you may have spent thousands on that couch five or 10 years ago, the insurance company would pay only what it's worth now. Actual cash value insurance will be cheaper than replacement value, but you likely won't be able to get the same quality couch with your insurance payout.
If you decide to take the plunge, be sure to research to determine what policy best meets your needs and learn how to file a claim should the need arise.
More Money-Saving Reads:
- What's a Good Credit Score?
- How to Get Your Free Annual Credit Report
- What's a Bad Credit Score?
- How Credit Impacts Your Day-to-Day Life
Image: iStock


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Trenton Doyle Hancock
- April 2, 2013 7:00 PM
April 2-Trenton Doyle Hancock, artist
Trenton Doyle Hancock is an artist living and working in Houston, Texas, who has had an impressive career trajectory. Before completing his MFA at the Tyler School of Art, Temple University, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Hancock's work was chosen for the 2000 Whitney Biennial, and his mysterious narrative-based paintings, drawings, and installations have been in demand ever since. The Modern is proud to own a number of the artist's etching portfolios and his impressive large-scale, mixed-media work And The Branches Became As Storm Clouds, 2003. Beyond the Modern, Hancock is well represented in the DFW Metroplex, including one of the most spectacular pieces in Gene and Jerry Jones' collection at Cowboys Stadium. In 2008, Hancock parlayed into the world of dance with Cult of Color: Call to Color, a collaboration with composer Graham Reynolds and choreographer Stephen Mills for Ballet Austin, which received great critical acclaim, with Eleanor Heartney calling it "an exuberant mix" that "swept the viewer along in a satisfying blend of sound, imagery and movement" in an article for Art in America.
For Tuesday Evenings, Hancock presents "In Preparation of the Bring Back," in which he shares a new direction in his work, having moved from his signature narrative into a more personal exploration as evidenced in his exhibition … And Then It All Came Back to Me at James Cohan Gallery in New York this past fall.
The spring series for Tuesday Evenings at the Modern begins February 12 and ends April 23. These lectures and presentations by artists, architects, historians, and critics are held in the Modern's auditorium and begin at 7 pm. Free admission tickets (limit two) can be picked up at the Modern's information desk beginning at 5 pm on the day of the lecture. Seating begins at 6:30 pm and is limited to the first 250 ticketholders. A live broadcast of the lectures is shown in Café Modern for any additional guests. The Museum galleries remain open until 7 pm on Tuesdays during the series (regular gallery admission charge applies).
Café Modern is open for dinner on Tuesday nights during the lecture series. Enjoy a fine dining experience before or after the lecture; seating is available from 5 pm to 8:30 pm. For reservations, call 817.840.2157 or visit www.themodern.org/cafe.
Trenton Doyle Hancock, ...and then it All Came Back to Me, 2011. Mixed media on paper, 9 x 8 inches. Image courtesy of the artist, Talley Dunn Gallery, and James Cohan Gallery.


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July 18, 2013
Q: I know that my company's employees must be trained on the new 16-section safety data sheet format by Dec. 1, 2013, and that distributors must comply with the 16-section format by June 1, 2015. Will Oregon OSHA cite employers who have requested, but not received, new safety data sheets for their hazardous chemicals by June 1 2015?
A: Because chemical manufacturers and distributors must comply with all requirements of the hazard communication standard by June 1, 2015, you should have no problem receiving new safety data sheets for currently produced chemicals.
You are not required to obtain a new safety data sheet for chemicals you get before June 1, 2015. You should receive one, however, with orders your company places after that date. If you request a safety data sheet, but the manufacturer or distributor can't (or won't) send you one, keep your documentation showing that you tried to get it in the new format. You can also ask Oregon OSHA for help.
Manufacturers are not required to create safety data sheets for their discontinued chemicals. Employers should keep their material safety data sheets – regardless of the format – for those products.
Reprinting, excerpting, or plagiarizing any part of this publication is fine with us!
But remember: the information in this newsletter is intended to highlight safe work practices, but it does not replace Oregon OSHA workplace safety and health rules.
For information about Oregon OSHA services and answers to technical questions, call (503) 378-3272 or toll-free within Oregon, (800) 922-2689.


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ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – He may not be 6 feet 3 inches tall or have bulging biceps just yet, but it doesn't take long for Luke Bond to fly into your heart faster than a speeding bullet.
On Aug. 15, the 3-year-old was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia, or APML.
"He's just got this amazing courage," said his mother, Kristen Bond. "I don't how and I don't know if I could do it, but he's doing it."
Luke is one of nearly 13,000 children who are diagnosed with cancer each year. Sadly, a quarter of them will not survive the disease.
Kristen and her husband, Stephen, were packing for a family vacation when Luke suddenly spiked a fever of 105 degrees and developed little red bumps on his arms and legs.
Kristen says her gut told her something just wasn't right.
"Something clicked in me and I said, 'We need to go to the emergency room right now and see what we can find out,'" she said.
"When she said, 'We think it's Leukemia,' we just lost it," said Stephen Bond. "It choked me up, pretty much. It was hard. I couln't text it without crying."
To help Luke cope with the surgeries, the poking, prodding, doctor's visits and chemotherapy, his parents turned to his favorite superhero for backup. Suddenly, Luke was ready to show leukemia his alter ego.
"We draped him in his cape when he was laying in his bed on his way to surgery, and he came out with his cape on and it was symbolic for us," said Kristen.
Despite the aches and pains of treatment, "Super Luke," as he prefers to be called, has proven to be a little man of steel resolve.
He doesn't shy away from taking his medicine and puts on a brave face for his real-life Lois Lane -- "Nurse Mackenzie" -- who his parents say knows just how to bring out a smile and a few heroics on those tough days.
"It's not that I don't want to cry, but I know I can't," said Stephen. "It's just having that strength that he's given me, you know. It's amazing. He's given me super powers."
"Super Luke" will undergo surgery on Wednesday to have a port put in place for his treatments, and he is facing five rounds of chemotherapy in the weeks ahead.
The Bonds know the road to recovery may be rocky and have vowed to help other families in similar situations, once Luke is on the mend.
"You don't want to be a part of this club, but we are now, and the best thing we can do is help other families that are going through the same thing," said Stephen.
Faith and a cape -- perhaps the best medicine Luke could ever ask for.
"I think it will always be, you know, an inspiration and something that he'll be able to fight through anything," Stephen said.
A fundraiser for "Super Luke" has been organized for Saturday at The Loop Pizza Grill. Twenty percent of lunch sales between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Deerwood and Mandarin locations will go to the Bond family to help cover medical expenses.
Additional resources/links for story:
Information on "Super Luke": https://www.facebook.com/adriennemoore8#!/superlukebond
Infromation on Saturday fundraiser:
How you can donate to Luke's "Light's the Night Walk" Team:


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(*This was originally posted two years ago. I was asked to speak at the Ladies Christmas Party at church. This is what I said, except I will break it up into three parts and post over the next three days.)
Peace, Family, Hope, Love, and Traditions
Just to name a few.
I also have a few one-word descriptions that pop into my head as we approach this exciting time of year. I will be adding them to our list as we go along.
As I sat down to pray and study for this devotional I began to have a Charles Dickens sort of theme begin to run in my head. I began to reminisce about the joys, and sometimes heartache, of Christmas' past. As I studied I began to get excited about Christmas Future. Yet I am also aware that this is December 2005, it is important to be grounded and truly living in the present.
One of my very first thoughts (that I will add to our list) when I think about Christmas is: Baby. This has always been a focus for me because I have had a great love for babies for as long as I can remember! Growing up we had a very small manger scene that I used to play with. It had glass figurines of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. My favorite piece of that manger scene was always the baby Jesus. There is just something incredibly hopeful, sweet and new about a baby.
I found this definition about babies:
A baby is a small member of the home that makes love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, the bankroll smaller, the home happier, the clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for.
If you are a parent you know this is true! Mary and Joseph could probably shake their head in agreement with this statement and yet they knew that this baby King, named Jesus, was a promise fulfilled by God.
Which bring us to:
Christmas Past - Emmanuel God with Us
I love the book of Isaiah. I often find myself there in times when I need encouragement. Perhaps this is because Isaiah was known as the prophet of redemption. He spoke of Christ's birth long before He was born. God used Isaiah to foretell the future of what was to come. In Chapter 7 we see Isaiah encouraging Ahaz, the King of Judah, whose enemies are plotting to over throw him. God has told Isaiah that this plot will not be carried out but Ahaz must stand firm. The Lord says to Ahaz in verse 10 of the Seventh Chapter:
Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, "Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights."
Here we see that God is saying: Ahaz! from the depths to heights I am with you!
Ahaz refuses to ask. But God in his perfect plan and mercy gives him a sign anyway. Through Isaiah these words are spoken:
" Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel" –Isaiah 7:14
This is the fun part…Now we get to flip to the bible to Matthew 1 and take a peek at how the future for Ahaz and the house of King David is to perfectly unfold.
18 this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Emmanuel"—which means, "God with us."
Emmanuel. God with us.
God's Word is trustworthy. We can believe Him. When we see things that were predicted in Scripture past, it is always fulfilled in the future. I love the richness of the words of God that we have just read. It reminds me that long before Christ came as a tiny babe we can see God had a plan. It was not hidden from Ahaz and his people- nor is it hidden from us. God's plan of salvation was born in a stable. So that plain, unroyal people like you and me could approach him and receive the gift that came in swaddling clothes.
Tomorrow: Christmas Future!


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Vicious Fluorocarbon Leader (Clear) - 110 Yards
Tested in the harshest of conditions, Vicious Fluoro Leader has been proven to deliver in both fresh and salt water applications. It's the perfect combination of abrasion resistance and stretch.
- 100% Fluorocarbon
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- Abrasion resistant


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Calendar of events
Training sessions, races and other events
Attendance to training sessions is only open to current 2018-2019 members.
To renew membership please click here.
- This event has passed.
Ride Training: A Group Weekend Ride
October 5, 2019 @ 6:30 am - 11:00 am
Ride information will be confirmed in the relevant week.
Check the Balance Facebook group for more details.
Reminder that all members should be familiar with our ride protocols. For safety reasons, please ensure you are at the start of all club rides on time (for the ride briefing), that you have bright back lights (check batteries not flat), front lights if it's dark and carry spares. Please also read the Balance Bike Bible